Schiano takes heat over alleged hang-up

The way Bucs coach Greg Schiano's ended his conference call today with the Detroit media has apparently caused a big stir.

There has been reports that's surfaced since - both in Detroit and on NFL.com - that Schiano abruptly hung up on the Lions beat writers after getting a question on MRSA.

But the Bucs provided the Tampa Bay media with the audio of the call, which indicates otherwise.

Towards the end of the six-minute call, a Bucs PR representative is heard saying they have time for a couple more questions. Schiano answered two, including a lengthy reply on MRSA. Three Bucs players, including left guard Carl Nicks and Johnthan Banks, had dealt with the staph infection earlier this year.

"There's so much misinformation about that whole issue -- not just with our instance, but in general. The fear that people with a lack of understanding," Schiano said. "The reason I can say that is I didn't understand. But MRSA is everywhere, and it's a matter of practicing good habits and hygiene and all that stuff. I think we're doing fine with that. Unfortunately, it affected some of the players and their health, and certainly our environment here as far as distractions go. But I'm glad that's in the rear-view mirror, and this team's doing nothing but looking forward."

After that second question was done, Schiano ended the call by saying, "Guys, I appreciate it, I'll see you on Sunday," and the phone clicked.

That's how Schiano typically ends all his press conferences at One Buc Place, with a PR rep saying "a couple more questions," the coach answering two, before saying "thanks" and walking off the stage.

The call might have been shorter than usual conference calls, but it didn't sound like a hang-up.

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